One of the most creative parts of starting something new is finding a name and it’s also one of the most challenging. Below, you’ll find the stories of how various successful brands, creators and entrepreneurs came up with their names.

Taylor Birgfeld

When we felt called to this realm of work, I was continuously drawn to the book of Ecclesiastes. Which, if you’ve read it, feels extremely depressing in the beginning. In fact, the very beginning goes on about meaninglessness. However, I felt continuously drawn to it and after a few reads, found that it harps on the “meaninglessness” in life so that you can feel drawn to find joy in your life. That means joy in your work and gratefulness to God for the gifts given to you. It speaks of using your “job” to work towards something greater. Within Ecclesiastes is the famous “threefold chord” quote, that you might have heard at a wedding ceremony. Which speaks of the importance of weaving God into your relationships. Read more>>

Rielynn Lunde

When I was brainstorming names for my photography business, I knew I wanted something that truly reflected *me*—not just what I do, but how I see the world. My name is Rielynn, but most people call me “Rie.” I’ve always loved that nickname—it’s simple, personal, and unique. I wanted my business name to feel the same way. Read more>>

Jon Sayles

Well I came up with Edwin Entertainment in 2009. In honor of my late Uncle Edwin Lee Wideman who was a hair dresser. Who died on February 6th 1991. That was when I was 8 years old. So I was affiliated with a company called Shadow Theater and it went through its challenging. So that how I started my company Edwin Entertainment. Read more>>

LaTrenda Ross

My name is La-Trenda, and over the years, friends and family have given me all sorts of nicknames — Trend, Trenda, Trends, TrenyTren — you name it. People often tell me I’m like a walking fashion statement, always bringing color, style, and energy into the room. Some even say, “You’re always trending.” Read more>>

Melina Cianella

The name Starry Eyed Events was born from a very specific kind of magic, one that only exists in the early days of falling in love for the very first time. For me, that memory is forever soundtracked by Anyone Else But You by The Moldy Peaches. It wasn’t just a song, it was an anthem for that era in our lives. We were teenagers, maybe a little awkward, a little wide-eyed and completely enamored with the feeling of being seen and adored for exactly who we were. Read more>>

McCayla Groski

I first stumbled upon the word selcouth in a random Instagram post several years ago, and I just froze. I had never heard a word that described me, or my art, so perfectly. Selcouth (pronounced sell-cooth) means “strange, rare, unfamiliar… yet marvelous and wondrous.” That blend of chaos and beauty is exactly how I’ve always experienced creativity. It’s not just about creating a masterpiece on a canvas —it’s expression of our soul, story, and imagination. Read more>>

Haley Vizz

I used to operate under a less exciting name (Eternal Era) and it just didn’t feel right! It didn’t sound exciting or draw attention to the brand like I wanted it to. After having some time sitting in a car ride home from Florida, I just started to think of a bunch of different words that I liked and started putting them together. Disco Dolphin sounded catchy, fun and exciting! It was exactly what I wanted my brand to reflect and now I feel the name is a much better fit! Read more>>

Ramon

It was a quick one, actually. It came up when talking with my mom, Eva Olivas, my business partner and Piercer at one time. I wanted to call it Tattooedfux, but she suggested something that can be said easier in english and spanish that way people feel included. She always has great advice, so, she said how about “Real INX”? I said, “Yea, ok.” Read more>>

Sarah Toles

Naming my business was actually one of the easier steps in my journey. My mom has always been my number one supporter, giving me the confidence to go all-in. I wanted to honor her in a lasting and meaningful way, so I decided to name my business after her. Her favorite flowers have always been the cheerful daisy and her name is “Jacki”, so Daisy Jack Studios was born. By naming my business after her, I knew I would do everything and anything I could to succeed. Read more>>

Halee Smith

I wanted a space-themed name and thought about ‘Rocket Straps.’ But then the idea of ‘Rock-It’—as in ‘rock it’—came to mind. I also wanted a unique spelling so it wouldn’t just be ‘rocket.’ —I knew I didn’t want to be stuck to making JUST guitar straps, ‘Rockit Music Gear’ felt like the perfect fit with room to branch out—and that’s the name that stuck. Read more>>

Jakeem McNeil

The story behind The King’s Cartel name goes back to college. During my time in college, I became a member of the fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha, Incorporated. I was named “Cartel” for my skills and interests in bringing people together, effectively communicating, and aligning everyone to the same mission. “King” is defined as a person or thing regarded as the finest or most important in the group. Therefore, The King’s Cartel is, in my opinion, one of the finest collections of artwork that explores self-expression and emotion through abstract means. Read more>>

Etienne Terlinden

Cordon of Santa Barbara, the ribbon enclosing Santa Barbara County. We focus on wines with grapes exclusively grown in Santa Barbara County. Our wines are regional and respect the terroir and nuances of our geography. Read more>>

Rebecca Savage

At first, I thought it would be hard to figure out a name for the company. I was just driving along with a friend talking away. Then you have something catch your eye and get distracted. I always said “Squirrel!” So, with that I wanted to catch any one’s eye with my sign so they would come over and see what I have. Read more>>

Sachi & Chiyo

When we decided to open SACHI, we already had the full vision of a mixed retail space that was complimented by a coffee shop. We wanted a place for people to come together and feel comfortable to hang out. At the time, a lot of third wave coffee had a very clean and sterile aesthetic. Knowing that our space would be filled with plants, clothes and art, it was important for us to create an uplifting, energetic atmosphere that encouraged conversation and open heartedness. Read more>>

Laurie Orfanidis

I have been been in the restaurant business for 45 years. The first 5 restaurants were our families restaurants and all had the same name. When I ventured out on my own, I decided I wanted something fun and light. My best friend and I were sitting around and throwing names around and the one that stuck was Sunny Day Cafe. It was perfect. I ran that restaurant for nearly 7 years. I sold that location and moved to Selbyville DE to take care of my Aunt who had stage 4 lung cancer and wanted to remain in her home until her passing. I stayed with her for 7 months until she passed. Read more>>

Megan Brown

When we first came up with the idea for a craft soda business we knew that we wanted a name that would be unique and catch potential customers attention. After a lot of brainstorming came a name that highlights where we are from and what we do with a little but of nostalgia and humor mixed in, Waynesville Soda Jerks. Read more>>

Christian Wellington

The name **Billy Jean** draws inspiration from the iconic **”Billy” style** by True Religion, renowned for its **bootcut denim and premium aesthetic**. By reimagining this classic silhouette with a fresh, modern twist, **Billy Jean** pays homage to high-quality craftsmanship while establishing its own distinct identity in the world of elevated denim. Read more>>

Tiffany Dunn

Funny you should ask this question. I was traveling for work to India and was moving to the next location and in conversation with another employee I stated our company has us traveling “Coast to Coast”. My companies name morphed into Coastal Travels, “Traveling the world coast to coast”. Read more>>

Madison Bennett

The name Stumpy Bean Coffee Co. was inspired by my two corgis, Apollo and Gemini, who are my daily source of joy and motivation. As a dog lover, I wanted a name that captured the playful, lighthearted spirit of the brand while also feeling personal. ‘Stumpy’ is a nod to their adorable little legs, and combining it with ‘Bean’ tied everything back to my love for great coffee. Read more>>

Sherry Wiggins

My husband, Dave is a 3rd generation bee keeper. We named our venue space Honey Acres Ranch to honor his family’s commitment to keeping the honey bee protected and keeping honey production local for our community to enjoy. Read more>>

Lorena Davila

Growing up I was the oldest girl out of 6 sisters and most of my little sisters would call me Nena short for Lorena,and my business consists of candy and sweets. So I decided to name my business Nenas Sweetcreations. Read more>>

Gary Whittaker

I always knew that I didn’t want a “tech-y” name for my company even though we would provide IT services. I wanted it to be meaningful in many levels.

When naming the company, Chief Second, two influences came together. At the time, I was actively boxing, and in that world, a “chief second” is the head coach in a fighter’s corner—the person guiding strategy, offering support between rounds, and ensuring the fighter is set up for success. That role resonated with me deeply. I saw a parallel between that and how I wanted our company to serve clients: not in the spotlight, but essential to their success—always in their corner, making sure everything runs smoothly so that they would continue to shine.  Read more>>

Andrew Desiderio

Naming a company is one of the most exciting aspects of starting a company. You are full of dopamine and excitement about the future potential of your ideas and it’s finally coming to fruition. Then almost immediately you realize, wow this starting a company thing won’t be easy eh!??! Read more>>